Layman in Irish (Tuata): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for layman?

The Irish for layman is tuata (pronounced “TOO-uh-tuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tuataí. Depending on context it can also mean non-expert or rustic.

Q: What is the plural of layman in Irish?

The plural of tuata is tuataí; with the article, na tuataí means “the laymen”. The genitive plural is tuataí, as in ról na dtuataí san Eaglais (the role of the laity in the Church).

Q: Does tuata have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tuata can mean layman, non-expert or rustic, depending on context; the first is the most common. Tuata also has its own entry as an adjective meaning lay.

How to say “layman” in Irish

Irish:: tuata
English:: layman, non-expert, rustic
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “TOO-uh-tuh” /t̪ˠuət̪ˠə/

Various forms

Plural:: tuataí (laymen)
Genitive singular:: tuata, an tuata (e.g. tuairim an tuata, the layman's opinion)
Genitive plural:: tuataí, na dtuataí (e.g. ról na dtuataí san Eaglais, the role of the laity in the Church)

What does “tuata” mean?

“Tuata” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

layman: A person who is not a member of the clergy.Also: layperson, lay person, member of the laity.

2 other meanings: non-expert or rustic

2non-expert: A person who has no specialist or professional knowledge of a subject.Also: amateur, layman, outsider.
3rustic: An unlearned or uncouth person; a boor.Also: boor, ignoramus, unlettered person.

Other entries for “tuata”

The same spelling has its own page as:

tuatalay · adjective

“Tuata” with the article

The plural of layman in Irish is tuataí. Here is tuata after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tuata

the layman

No change after an

na tuataí

the laymen

Plural: no change after na

“Tuata” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tuata, the Irish word for layman.

Is tuata mé, ní sagart.

I'm a layman, not a priest.

Labhair an tuata ag an Aifreann inniu.

The layman spoke at Mass today.

Bhí tuataí agus sagairt ag an gcruinniú.

There were lay people and priests at the meeting.

Ní thuigeann tuata an dlí go maith.

A non-expert doesn't understand the law well.

Míniú simplí atá ann don tuata.

It's a simple explanation for the layman.

Ba mhaith liom tuairim an tuata a chloisteáil.

I'd like to hear the layman's opinion.

Tá níos mó tuataí ag obair sa pharóiste anois.

More lay people are working in the parish now.

Other nouns in Irish

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Layman in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for layman?

The Irish for layman is tuata (pronounced “TOO-uh-tuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tuataí. Depending on context it can also mean non-expert or rustic.

How do you pronounce tuata in Irish?

Tuata is said like “TOO-uh-tuh” (IPA /t̪ˠuət̪ˠə/).

What is the plural of layman in Irish?

The plural of tuata is tuataí; with the article, na tuataí means “the laymen”. The genitive plural is tuataí, as in ról na dtuataí san Eaglais (the role of the laity in the Church).

Does tuata have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tuata can mean layman, non-expert or rustic, depending on context; the first is the most common. Tuata also has its own entry as an adjective meaning lay.

Why does tuata change to thuata or dtuata?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tuata becomes mo thuata (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtuata (eclipsis).

Is 'tuata' the same as 'tuathánach'?

No. 'Tuata' is a layman or non-expert, while 'tuathánach' is a rustic or country person, though 'tuata' can also mean a boor.

Layman in Irish (Tuata): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage